Good recommendations for a womens bike

[LoisLane23]

Long time 'meaning to buy a bike' but now my boys are older and decent cyclists i would like a bike to cycle with them to sports clubs and cricket matches! Short rides mainly, not busy roads, no need for a super fancy affair, or a Tour de France racer!! Am very short (5ft), but fit, so all tips welcome? Haven't owned a bike since university!!!!

budget?

Sounds like a decent 2nd hand hybrid would suit you.

I bought a Carera Crossfire 2 from Halfords a few months ago. They come in different frame sizes. I use it for keeping up with DS on bike tracks and woodland trails. I really rate it.

with you being short get a Liv bike. Look at the Alight hybrids.

the decathlon elops is decent and not too pricey.

I got mine from Facebook market place. £25.00.never been used much. Its a lovely Raleigh bike. Other half oiled it, washed it abs its a joy. I bought a bell. Ding ding

I have a Cube Aim. Its great.

Be sure to test ride a few with different sitting positions. In my case I really like to sit upright, Dutch style. They're obviously not built for speed but very comfortable.

I would recommend going to a local independent bike shop and asking them. They will be able to talk you through options within your price range, what you want to do with a bike and, perhaps most importantly, measure you up for a bike that fits you physically. I think it's quite easy to be put off cycling if you don't have the right size, suitable bike. If you get the right one, it's brilliant!

What boiledeggontoast said. Also don’t fixate on a ‘women’s’ bike. I’ve got quite a stable of different bikes, none of which are ‘women’s.’ The important thing is the fit in proportion to your body. You’ll only suss that by test riding. Worth noting too that what size may fit you in one brand, won’t in another. So, again, really important to test ride.

My last top tip, without getting geeky, is - go for the lightest you can afford. Whatever you get you need to peddle it to move it forward, the heavier it is, the harder you’ll find it. Especially when it comes to even the slightest slope.

A good second hand one if you can get one brands like Liv, cube your get a lighter weight one. I’ve got a 7yr old specialised Vita with a lower step through but hybrid with skinny tyres so I can do longer road rides. I’m only a bit taller than you and their XS frame would be about right for a 5ft. Putting Road tyres on pumped up makes quite a difference to speed.

I agree with trying a few out.
but tbh I find dutch style women's bikes very comfortable for short (up to 5 miles) journeys. sitting upright gives you a better surround view as well.

Thank you so much guys, the cube has been mentioned to me before and going to a bike shop. Hubby is a total bike nerd but I actually don't want him with me! He's always trying to turn me into some speed demon which I'm not!

Test ride for sure.

eg., I just looked up at Cube Aim & wouldn't want it: too heavy (13.8kg) & front chain ring not small enough for me (32 is too many teeth). But that's just me. I'd want a proper granny ring with such a heavy bike.

Just bought a really lovely Raleigh pioneer bike for £25. Just loving it. I had a Raleigh to go to school on.